UK AIR

Air Information Resource

Effects of air pollution

A variety of air pollutants have known or suspected harmful effects on human health and the environment. In most areas of Europe, these pollutants are principally the products of combustion from space heating, power generation or from motor vehicle traffic. Pollutants from these sources may not only prove a problem in the immediate vicinity of these sources but can travel long distances.

The table below shows the types of health effects experienced by the most common pollutants at elevated levels:

Pollutant

Health effects at very high levels

Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone

These gases irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those suffering from lung diseases

Particles

Fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause inflammation and a worsening of heart and lung diseases

Carbon Monoxide

This gas prevents the uptake of oxygen by the blood. This can lead to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people suffering from heart disease